UN leaders mark 25th anniversary of September 11 attacks

On Thursday, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described the 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States as an assault on humanity itself. Speaking on the 25th anniversary of the event that claimed nearly 3,000 lives, Guterres paid tribute to the victims, survivors, and first responders from more than 90 countries. According to the UN chief, the organization stands in solidarity with New York City and the United States, reaffirming a collective commitment to building a future free from terrorism.

The commemoration coincides with the 20th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy. While Guterres emphasized that the fight against terrorism remains a shared and unfinished task, he also urged nations to renew their commitment to international norms. The statement serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for cooperation and respect for human rights in the global security landscape, even as geopolitical tensions continue to evolve.

Concerns over counter-terrorism measures

A group of more than 30 UN independent experts issued a separate statement warning that some national responses to terrorism have undermined civil liberties and the rule of law. According to these experts, who are not UN staff, many countries adopted disproportionate security measures that stretched foundational rules of international law. They cited instances of unlawful occupations, war crimes, and torture disguised as interrogation, urging states to review their practices to ensure compliance with international human rights and humanitarian law.

The experts highlighted that the wars on terror have exposed gravest violations of international law, including enforced disappearances and unfair military trials. They specifically referenced the US-operated Guantanamo Bay facilities as an example of the legal ambiguities that have persisted for decades. The group emphasized that while security is paramount, it must not come at the expense of fundamental rights and democratic institutions.

Recollections from UN headquarters

Personal accounts from UN staff provide a vivid perspective on the day the attacks occurred. Victor Evans-Harvey, now editor-in-chief of UN News, recalled being stopped by a security guard as he attempted to leave for work. He described seeing the smoke from the burning towers but still heading to the train station, only to be told he could not go. Similarly, Michelle Griffin, then Electoral Assistance Director, witnessed the first World Trade Center tower catch fire before even reaching her office on the 37th floor of the Secretariat building.

The annual ceremony to ring the Peace Bell, which was scheduled for International Day of Peace, was cancelled that day as staff evacuated the building. Griffin remembered hearing news spread down the stairwells during the evacuation, a moment that underscored the immediate and profound impact of the events on the UN community. These memories highlight the personal connection between the UN and the victims, reinforcing the institution's role as a witness to history.

Looking toward the future

As the international community reflects on this quarter-century milestone, the focus turns to the balance between security and liberty. According to reports from GN geopolitics/terror (en-US), the next steps involve a critical review of how counter-terrorism strategies are implemented globally. The forward question remains how nations can maintain robust security frameworks while ensuring that the foundational principles of international law and human rights are not compromised.